Liverpool player ratings from the 3-0 victory against AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League at Anfield.
Liverpool displayed their devastating attacking prowess as they blitzed to a 3-0 victory over AFC Bournemouth at Anfield.
A Luis Diaz brace and sublime strike from Darwin Nunez before half-time ensured that the Reds moved to the top of the Premier League table. It was the response that Arne Slot would have demanded after a 1-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest last weekend – and another sign that a title charge could well be forged this season.
Liverpool survived an early scare when Bournemouth thought they’d broken the deadlock in the fifth minute when Antoine Semenyo finished at the back post. However, a VAR review adjudged the Cherries forward to have strayed into an offside position.
The Reds then asserted authority, with Diaz’s fizzing effort from outside the box being well saved by visiting goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. In the 13th minute, Alexis Mac Allister sprayed a wonderful pass to set Mo Salah free on goal but his effort was thwarted by Kepa. Nine minutes later, Diaz wriggled beyond three Bournemouth defenders but had his shot saved at the near post by Kepa.
Yet Chelsea loanee Kepa, who remains the most expensive keeper in history, was at fault as Diaz finally went ahead in the 26th minute. Ibrahima Konate played a magnificent long ball to spot the run of the Colombia international. Kepa came off his line but was in no man’s land and Diaz fully profited as he fired into the unguarded net.
And two minutes later, Slot’s men – and Diaz – had their second. Trent Alexander-Arnold went on a menacing run and picked out the former Porto winger, who kept his composure to finish with aplomb.
Eight minutes before half-time, Liverpool had their third as Nunez got off the mark for the season in style. He was set free by Salah and burst into the Bournemouth box before curling a left-footed shot into the far corner via the inside of the post.
The hosts were not as potent in the second period, with a triumph already secured. They did have opportunities, though, with Salah having a shot cleared off the line by Milos Kerkez. Caoimhin Kelleher, who deputised for Alisson Becker in goal for Liverpool, was a spectator for much of the game but made two fine saves in the closing stages for Liverpool to record a fourth clean sheet in five Premier League fixtures so far this season.
It was a job well done for the Reds – and now they’ll watch Man City’s showdown against Arsenal tomorrow with plenty of intrigue. Here’s how we rated the Liverpool players.
Caoimhin Kelleher – 8
Made a couple of decent stops in the first half. Barely tested after the break although was good in possession before making a fine save from Luis Sinisterra and another quick reaction stop from a corner.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7
Sound defensively in the first half and engineered Diaz’s second goal. Should have maybe gone for goal himself when he went on another foray in the second period but otherwise sound.
Ibrahima Konate – 8
Played one poor backpass to Kelleher before the break but the sweeping ball to assist Diaz’s first goal more than atoned for that error. Booked in the second period after a clash with Dango Ouattara although made a couple of big blocks. Almost got on the scoresheet then his late block at the death said it all about his performance.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
An absolute rock throughout. Barely troubled throughout.
Andy Robertson – 7
Had an effort on goal that went not too far wide and made one excellent recovery to dispossess a breaking Semenyo in the
first period.
Ryan Gravenberch – 8
Gave the ball away on a couple of occasions early on, with a loose pass leading to the counter for Semenyo’s disallowed goal. But settled down after that and caused trouble breaking the lines from midfield in the first half. So powerful with his running in the second period and oozed class with his passing.
Alexis Mac Allister – 8
Played a sumptuous ball for a Salah chance and kept Liverpool ticking in the first half. Really grew into things after the interval as he made a couple of clever interceptions in tight spaces after the break and played another brilliant pass to pick out a Salah run.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6
Showed plenty of energy in the first period but decision-making was a little off at times. Subbed in the 61st minute.
Mo Salah – 7
Linked up well with plenty of his team-mates in the first half and got the assist for Nunez’s strike but will be disappointed not to have taken one of his own chances. Had an effort cleared off the line in the second period and it wasn’t his day when it came to scoring but still contributed.
Darwin Nunez – 8
Set the tone when forcing an early error from Kepa. Perhaps made the wrong decision with an early chance when he went for goal rather than picking a team-mate out but made no mistake the second time around with a splendid finish. Missed a chance just before being subbed in the 71st minute.
Luis Diaz – 9
Ran amok from the outset. The only real criticism is that he should have scored more than his two goals before the break as he pulled Bournemouth apart. Not as involved in the second period but was still a handful and he’d already played his part. Substituted to a standing ovation in the 72nd minute.
Sub 1 – Curtis Jones – 6
Kept the ball and had a late effort blocked.
Sub 2 – Federico Chiesa – 6
Had a shot saved just seconds after coming on for his Anfield debut and hit the post, although the offside flag had already gone up.
Sub 3 – Cody Gakpo – 6
Selflessly laid off Jones when he could have gone for goal himself.